Ok, I'm finally on the right thread, and I had my faxing question answered. Thanks so much to Buzz and Kat, who are fonts of information! I can't wait until dh sees the resort -- I think this is going to convince him to come back to WDW for a few days this summer, even though he says he only wants to go to Universal. I'm counting on the fabulous accommodations, incredible pool, and delicious cuisine to convince him he can handle a few days here!

DIS SponsorThe Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin is located in the heart of the Walt Disney World Reosrt.

PROS - Room is a great location. Close to pool, elevator, bus stop 4 (which is the 2nd to last stop going to the parks). Able to see HS NYE fireworks from window (which was great since we left Epcot early due to crowds & missed the midnight celebration). Great view of the beach/lake/el centro. Quesadillas at Pepper Market are wonderful!! Although we did not try it, the boats and surrey bikes looked like a lot of fun. Quiet resort, which amazed me considering the time of year. Beautiful grounds. Bus service was great, we never encountered standing room only when leaving the resort. There was never a lot of people at the park bus stops.

CONS - Not one towel animal, roaches in room (one was hiding one a new clean towel...I found it when I opened it after taking a shower...I about fell in the tub!!!), Pepper market staff, with the exception of the managers, was much to be desired. On the evening of 12/29, there was an all out brawl between workers in front of guests!! An older gentlemen who worked in the pizza area was not wearing gloves and touching people/objects then touching food without hand washing, YUCK! Although good, Maya Grill is WAY WAY overpriced!!! One day we were in our rooms resting when mousekeeping came by. I asked if they could come back in about an hour because me kids were napping and they said no, it was now or wait until tomorrow.

I would probably stay there again, but only during value season. Otherwise, it is overpriced. My DH is usually laid back about things, but he was very disappointed in this experience. He said he would never be back to CSR. IMO, that is ok because we brought back a present...a new home at AKV.

Sorry about the roaches--but I guess that could happen anywhere (snakes at the Contemporary, etc.).

That is uncalled for in the Pepper Market. I've often said that the only thing that upsets me about the CSR is some of the employees at Pepper Market. We just avoid them by taking our food to go 99% of the time.

I'm glad you didn't let it ruin your trip and that you had a good time.

Sorry about the roaches--but I guess that could happen anywhere (snakes at the Contemporary, etc.).

That is uncalled for in the Pepper Market. I've often said that the only thing that upsets me about the CSR is some of the employees at Pepper Market. We just avoid them by taking our food to go 99% of the time.

I'm glad you didn't let it ruin your trip and that you had a good time.

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Here is Texas, it is not uncommon to see those big tree roaches. They often find their way inside. Now had this been the case at CSR, I would have just gone about my normal day, because I am used to that. On the other hand, they were those small roaches. Here in Texas that is a sign of filth and uncleanliness. That is what freaked me out. Anyone who lives in Texas will definately know what I am talking about.

Well shoot. I really wanted club level since that is how we always stay at hotels everywhere else. Once you get spoiled to that, it is hard to go back! I love the resort, I would just prefer the 2nd freshening up of the rooms and having a private lounge with cold drinks and snacks is always nice - no matter where you stay!

Thanks for forwarding me the info. Somehow I missed it. He does a fantastic job with that site!!

My youngest dd has mild hypotonic cp which basically means she ends up exhausted mid-day. The last few trips we've used her stroller as a wheelchair and get special accomodation for it while in the parks. I'm hoping to be able to do so again this year as long as she doesn't get too big by then.

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You may want to look into getting her a wheelchair for long walks like this. Your insurance would probably cover most of the cost of it, as long as it is prescribed by a doctor.

If you don't have a wheelchair and she has outgrown her stroller by your next trip, there are places where you can rent a special needs stroller (basically a larger sized stroller for kids who are too big for a regular sized one). Follow the link in my signature to the disABILITIES FAQs thread, and you will find information on renting special needs strollers in post #2 of that thread.

I haven't had a chance to get on here since I got back. We had a wonderful time last week and I'll probably do a post-trip report in that part of the forum because I have a lot to share, especially with the crowd levels being so high.
As for the Coronado, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. We were put in Casitas 2, room 2440. I have some postives and cons about our stay.
First off, it was beautiful. I felt like I'd been there before because of all the great pics people have posted. I actually didn't really take any of the resort because I can use the great ones on here for a scrapbook.
One thing that kept resonating in my head was a comment someone said before I left about other peoples' pictures. She said that the pics were almost better than the actual thing. I have to say, I agree. I didn't see the Coronado in those pictures. Most of the reason for that is the side of the resort I was on and also the times of day. I didn't see the gorgeous night sights that so many post pics of. I'm not saying this as a negative, just an interesting observation. I am not sure if we had a rehabbed room but I think maybe we did because it looked just like some pics someone had posted of one. We had the dark wood and the sliding doors to the vanity area. The room was nice and clean and mousekeeping was good...nothing over the top and no towel animals (bummer)...but very good. We had a king bed and it was very comfy. We were closest to bus stop 2 which was great since it's the first stop.
Here are some things that were a bummer to me about the resort. I didn't think the size would matter to me. I know it's the thing you either love or hate about it. Well, we were on the complete opposite side of the lake from the main pool and hot tub. We were so exhausted at the end of each day that we couldn't fathom WALKING any more to get over there. I know they have those golf cart things to bring you around but I didn't see them that often and they don't seem to have a consistent schedule. After standing and walking all day, the last thing we wanted was more of it. So I was really bummed out because I REALLY wanted to use the hot tub to help our sore muscles. I never made it over to that side of the resort at all.
My biggest vice was it was very difficult to navigate up to our room. It took a couple of days to figure out the best way up there. First off, Casitas 2 is tucked behind and between Casitas 1 and 3. Our room was on the fourth floor and directly across the connector to Casitas 3. We had that lion fountain directly below us. The problem is that not every stairwell goes up to the fourth floor. So to actually get to our room, we had to go through Casitas 3 (when coming from El Centro). So after getting lost a few times, we figured out we couldn't follow the Casitas 2 signs/arrows. Coming from the bus stop, there was a stairwell at the end of our building near the quiet pool that went up to our floor. So that was fine. I don't lose my bearings easily and it was a bit aggitating to not get up to my room in a direct way.
THings I loved about it: Pepper Market!! OMG this place is amazing. I couldn't and still cannot believe it was only a counter service credit. We ate there twice and both times my boyfriend got fish...first time salmon, second time tuna steaks. Both dishes were about $20 alone. Our lunches easily billed around $50 if we didn't have the dining plan. I wouldn't be surprised if they dropped this place from the dining plan as a counter service. It's a steal! If we didn't have the dining plan, I would think it a bit pricey, however they portions are large and quality is good. Loved it.
Cafe Rix is great for breakfast. Good selection of baked goods and breakfast sandwiches.
We enjoyed the Laguna Bar. It was a nice place to unwind at night and on our day off.
THe size of the resort definitely made it feel like there weren't a lot of people there, even though I know it was booked. So that was nice. We saw lots of conventioneers there but we didnt' care. We actually met some interesting people at the bar from the UK. They were there for the National Country and International Dance Competition. LOL
Buses were great. The longest ride was to MK and it was less than 9 minutes. I loved the ease of transportation and would definitely do it up again with the resort package, etc.
Overall, we enjoyed our stay. If we stay there again, I'll definitely request a room on the hot tub side. Live and learn!

I haven't had a chance to get on here since I got back. We had a wonderful time last week and I'll probably do a post-trip report in that part of the forum because I have a lot to share, especially with the crowd levels being so high.
As for the Coronado, we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. We were put in Casitas 2, room 2440. I have some postives and cons about our stay.
First off, it was beautiful. I felt like I'd been there before because of all the great pics people have posted. I actually didn't really take any of the resort because I can use the great ones on here for a scrapbook.
One thing that kept resonating in my head was a comment someone said before I left about other peoples' pictures. She said that the pics were almost better than the actual thing. I have to say, I agree. I didn't see the Coronado in those pictures. Most of the reason for that is the side of the resort I was on and also the times of day. I didn't see the gorgeous night sights that so many post pics of. I'm not saying this as a negative, just an interesting observation. I am not sure if we had a rehabbed room but I think maybe we did because it looked just like some pics someone had posted of one. We had the dark wood and the sliding doors to the vanity area. The room was nice and clean and mousekeeping was good...nothing over the top and no towel animals (bummer)...but very good. We had a king bed and it was very comfy. We were closest to bus stop 2 which was great since it's the first stop.
Here are some things that were a bummer to me about the resort. I didn't think the size would matter to me. I know it's the thing you either love or hate about it. Well, we were on the complete opposite side of the lake from the main pool and hot tub. We were so exhausted at the end of each day that we couldn't fathom WALKING any more to get over there. I know they have those golf cart things to bring you around but I didn't see them that often and they don't seem to have a consistent schedule. After standing and walking all day, the last thing we wanted was more of it. So I was really bummed out because I REALLY wanted to use the hot tub to help our sore muscles. I never made it over to that side of the resort at all.
My biggest vice was it was very difficult to navigate up to our room. It took a couple of days to figure out the best way up there. First off, Casitas 2 is tucked behind and between Casitas 1 and 3. Our room was on the fourth floor and directly across the connector to Casitas 3. We had that lion fountain directly below us. The problem is that not every stairwell goes up to the fourth floor. So to actually get to our room, we had to go through Casitas 3 (when coming from El Centro). So after getting lost a few times, we figured out we couldn't follow the Casitas 2 signs/arrows. Coming from the bus stop, there was a stairwell at the end of our building near the quiet pool that went up to our floor. So that was fine. I don't lose my bearings easily and it was a bit aggitating to not get up to my room in a direct way.
THings I loved about it: Pepper Market!! OMG this place is amazing. I couldn't and still cannot believe it was only a counter service credit. We ate there twice and both times my boyfriend got fish...first time salmon, second time tuna steaks. Both dishes were about $20 alone. Our lunches easily billed around $50 if we didn't have the dining plan. I wouldn't be surprised if they dropped this place from the dining plan as a counter service. It's a steal! If we didn't have the dining plan, I would think it a bit pricey, however they portions are large and quality is good. Loved it.
Cafe Rix is great for breakfast. Good selection of baked goods and breakfast sandwiches.
We enjoyed the Laguna Bar. It was a nice place to unwind at night and on our day off.
THe size of the resort definitely made it feel like there weren't a lot of people there, even though I know it was booked. So that was nice. We saw lots of conventioneers there but we didnt' care. We actually met some interesting people at the bar from the UK. They were there for the National Country and International Dance Competition. LOL
Buses were great. The longest ride was to MK and it was less than 9 minutes. I loved the ease of transportation and would definitely do it up again with the resort package, etc.
Overall, we enjoyed our stay. If we stay there again, I'll definitely request a room on the hot tub side. Live and learn!

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Thanks for your review. Yep, Castias 2 is a long haul from the main pool. We always ask for Casitas 4 or 5--about an eight minute walk. We were in Casitas 3 in September but I couldn't complain because they upgraded us to a suite. Yes, you were one of the lucky ones--you got one of the rehabbed rooms. I hope you liked them...we can't wait to see them up close on our trip this year. Pepper Market is a love it or hate type place with most posters on here. I'm so glad you loved it--we really like it too.

Okay, I'm debating calling and seeing about getting Club Level for our stay at CSR. Those of you that have done it, do you really feel that it's worth it?

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MomPOM, Club Level has been put on hold. There were some glitches in the system and they are trying to rectify them before offering the Club Level.

I've copied this from the 1st page of this thread (Buzz posted it late last week): LATEST UPDATE!!! - The opening of the club level rooms in cabana 9b may be on hold. Some people are reporting that they have been offered free upgrades to other concierge resorts for their club level reservations at CSR. Turns out the soft opening of CSR concierge rooms didn't go as planned and they will be revamping a bit. For the foreseeable future, CSR will only use the rooms as Business Club Level for convention groups that book those rooms. Otherwise they will be used for leisure guests but the lounge will not be open to them. So I don't know if foreseeable future means forever or until they straighten out the kinks since the concierge rooms didn't go as planned and they are going back to the drawing board.

You may want to look into getting her a wheelchair for long walks like this. Your insurance would probably cover most of the cost of it, as long as it is prescribed by a doctor.

If you don't have a wheelchair and she has outgrown her stroller by your next trip, there are places where you can rent a special needs stroller (basically a larger sized stroller for kids who are too big for a regular sized one). Follow the link in my signature to the disABILITIES FAQs thread, and you will find information on renting special needs strollers in post #2 of that thread.

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Thanks so much for the info! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we'll make it one last trip in her Maclaren (with the 60 lb weight limit- we're at 53 lbs right now). I really need the stroller in the airport so if it's a no-go, we'll probably pick one up here locally.

I can't imagine trying to Disney without one. Even though Miss Em looks typical (and can start her day keeping up with her big sis), the heat and the walking and excitement suck the energy out of her little body so quickly. Disney has been so accomodating. That's part of the reason I'm a fan for life!

You have a 50 / 50 chance. Cabana 8a and 9b do not have parking lot views. The back of 8a is woods and the back of 9b is a smaller lake.

Cabana 8b and 9a may have some lot views.

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Our first stay in 2007 was in Cabana's 8a on the back side facing the wooded area (between the Rancho's section and Cabana's section).
This was an excellect location
The pool and playground area is literally 1 minute away; bus stop #4 is also 1 minute walk behind the building. El Centro (check-in, Pepper Market, etc) is 5 minutes or less, depending on how fast you walk.
We've requested this building again for next month's trip. Hope we get it!

What is the order of the bus stops at CSR going and coming from parks? I am using a ECV and would like to be at the first stop going and last stop coming back in order to not hold people up already on the bus. Trying to be KIND!

What is the order of the bus stops at CSR going and coming from parks? I am using a ECV and would like to be at the first stop going and last stop coming back in order to not hold people up already on the bus. Trying to be KIND!